Andrew John HOLDEN

Andy Holden began as a cross-country runner in his native Lancashire and won the National Junior Cross Country Championship in 1969. A specialist at the 3000 m steeplechase on the track, he placed 5th at the 1970 Commonwealth Games but failed to qualify from the heats at the 1971 European Championships and 1972 Olympics. Shortly after the Munich Games he set a British record for the steeplechase. His greatest success on the track came when he won a silver medal at the 1970 Universiade whilst over cross-country he was part of the world champion English teams in 1976 and 1979. Holden, a qualified dentist by profession, continued to compete as a veteran and helped to coach young athletes.

Personal Best: 1500 – 3:52.6 (1972); Mile – 4:07.2 (1970); 3000 – 8:03.0 (1973); 2 Miles – 8:76.4 (1973); 5000 – 13:59.8 (1976); 10000 – 29:03.2 (1973); 1 Hour – 19.160 m (1973); Mar – 2:15:18 (1980); 2000S – 5:35.21 (1976); 3000S – 8:26.4 (1972).